The Travelling Table: Tasting Taal (Part 1 of 2)
9 February, 2009
onI am a foodie, mostly passionate but occasionally obsessed with food. I’ve been lucky to have savored the flavors of the world. But lately, I’ve been feeling the need to explore the country I call home. What better way to learn about the diversity of the Philippines than through its food?
So I’ve booked a trip to Batangas, a kulinarya tour of the heritage town of Taal.
Every food tour should begin or end in a market. Our guide, Dindo Montenegro, takes us to our first stop, the Taal Public Market.

Aling Rowena’s Empanadas
Batangas is famous for its beef. But walking through the market’s meat section, you’ll notice that they are equally enamored of their pork, specifically their Tapang Taal, thin slices of pork, marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, kalamansi and lots of garlic. Every butcher’s table proudly showcases their own version of tapa, presenting the marinated slabs on elevated stainless steel mounts as makeshift fly swatters spin around each display.

Ang Pancit in Mang Biko
“Hindi ko nga alam kung bakit sila pumipila,” Mang Biko says in puzzlement. He has no special techniques or secret ingredients. But his customers keep coming back, forming a line that would put many fast food chains to shame. Customers who can’t wait to tuck into his steaming hot noodles are given a wooden skewer which is then ingenuously broken into a makeshift pair of chopsticks.
Just before 9 a.m., all cooking stops. Mang Biko has just cooked nearly 80 kilos of pancit. Late customers have been known to plead with him to cook more. But he respectful apologizes and asks them to come back tomorrow. Mang Biko claims it’s because he getting old. But I think it’s because he knows that the hungry faithful will always come back, wanting more of the pancit only he can make.
To be continued…
Southeast Travel Corp.
451 Pedro Gil St., Ermita
Manila, Philippines
Tel: (632) 524-5676 to 83
Fax: (632) 521-2712
E-mail: southeast@skyinet.net , inquiry@southeasttravel.com.ph
Website: www.southeasttravel.com.ph
Rates for the Taal Culinary tour:
Minimum of 6 Php 4,350.00/person
Minimum of 10 Php 2,830.00/person
One-week notice required.
Culinary tours to other destinations are also available.
LABELS: Batangas, Kulinarya Tour, Taal, The Travelling Table
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comments
Post a commentFEBRUARY 10, 2009 6:52 AM
info said...
I read this article on my way back from Manila. Made me want to fly back and get myself some tapa and empanada.
FEBRUARY 10, 2009 1:07 PM
Katrina said...
On the way to Bacolod recently, Christine (Gypsy Soul) and I noticed your contribution to the January Smile. Then, on the flight back to Manila, we read this piece in the February issue. How perfectly our trip was timed to catch both your articles! :-)
FEBRUARY 11, 2009 5:10 AM
Watergirl said...
That platter of tapa look absolutely delicious!
FEBRUARY 12, 2009 2:35 AM
Franco said...
Glad to hear that, info. Hope you come back to the Philippines soon. :)
Thanks for reading both pieces, Katrina. I had almost forgotten about the dessert article. Thanks for reminding me.
Hi Mila. I found the block of pork quite interesting, to say the least. This is why I think my aspirations to be come vegetarian one day, may never happen. Oh well...pass the pig please. :)
APRIL 23, 2011 5:35 PM
Nathalie said...
The Tapang Taal and empanada featured here are major parts of the coming El Pasubat Festival here in Taal. :) http://blackshirt13.wordpress.com/
APRIL 23, 2011 9:20 PM
Proud Taaleña! « Work in Progress said...
[...] one of these just this morning. Well, not exactly these in the photo (as this photo was taken from this website). These here are of the veggie variety which I do not eat because I am carnivorous. Raaawr! Haha. [...] http://blackshirt13.wordpress.com/2011/04/23/proud-taalena/